The WELS Principal Credential is a ministry certification endorsement that communicates to the Conference of Presidents and calling bodies that an individual has the necessary characteristics, knowledge, and skills to perform all aspects of the Lutheran school principal role. Schools calling someone with a WELS Principal Credential must follow synod-adopted guidelines regarding administration time and compensation.
An effective Lutheran school principal possesses the following characteristics, knowledge, and skills:
Characteristics
- Faith in Christ
- Humble
- Respected
- Compassionate
- Friendly
- Passionate
- Ambitious
- Wise
Understandings and Skills
- Knows Scripture
- Understands Christian Doctrine
- Follows the Lutheran Confessions
- Manages People
- Communicates Effectively
- Develops Curriculum
- Sets and Carries out a Vision
- Markets the School
- Manages Enrollment
- Develops Sustainable Budgeting
- Ensures Campus Safety
- Counsels Students and Families
- Creates and Executes Policy
- Conducts Master Planning
- Makes Data-Driven Decisions
- Accommodates Student Diversity
- Fosters Student Achievement
- Develops Teachers
- Supervises Instruction
The Conference of Presidents adopted the WELS Principal Credential in its September 2016 meeting (resolution W.09 Principal and WELS Leadership Credentials). The credential was reported to the 2017 synod convention (BORAM p. 18) and adopted as part of the 21st Century Principal Initiative (Committee 14, Resolution No. 02; Proceedings pp. 45-46).
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Martin Luther College
1995 Luther Court
New Ulm, MN 56073
1 (507) 354-8221
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